Alexandria Republican Mike Clines defeated Democratic challenger Brandon Long for the House District 68 seat he has held since 2022.
The Associated Press called the race just after 8 p.m. With 95% of precincts reporting, Clines had 69.5% of the vote to Long’s 34.1%.
Clines told LINK nky before the election that he ran on his record, including votes to increase funding for the district’s public schools, safeguard the due process rights of certified teachers, improve services for children on the autism spectrum and secure nearly $34 million for both roads and other local projects. The Campbell County native said he has built a strong network of personal and professional relationships both through the education community and beyond that he sees as a strength going forward.
“These relationships have enabled me to be an effective advocate for our community, bringing about tangible benefits for our district,” Clines said.
Long told LINK he ran on a “Kids First” platform that he said attempts to make space for everyone, including transgender students. Part of his inspiration, he said, comes from the Kentucky state flag and its emblem of a statesman and pioneer.